Sheila contacted me via the blog asking about Source Naturals GABA Calm ~ I am from Brussels/Belgium. I cannot find the Source Naturals GABA Calm sublingual anymore. The one you recommend. I’ve been recommending this for years to clients since I read your book “The Antianxiety Food Solution.” I already contacted Source Naturals a few times but no response. Do you know why they have stopped selling this in Europe?
After doing some checking around and contacting Source Naturals it seems there is a world-wide shortage of Source Naturals GABA Calm 125mg lozenges. When I reached out to them I was told it’s indefinite (with no reason why) and to check back at the end of January. Two other people were told it would be available mid-January and mid-February so the messages are mixed.
Today I’m sharing some other GABA product options until GABA Calm comes back or in case it doesn’t or if there is another shortage in the future. It’s such a pity since it is so effective for so many folks as you can see in these blogs:
- Source Naturals GABA Calm™: Why I recommend it for anxiety
- GABA Calm instead of Xanax for panic attacks, heightened stress and anxiety: questions and my feedback
- GABA for children: ADHD, focus issues, irritability, anxiety and tantrums
I also posted this message on Facebook to let my community there know and to find out what they were using instead.
This is some of the feedback I received:
- Mary ~ Oh my goodness! I just found it in my local Vitamin Shoppe tonight! There was one bottle left.
- Diana ~I noticed. My son uses this, I’m a little worried.
I shared that there are other products that will hopefully work as well and asked everyone who was using something else: Do you use it opened onto the tongue or swallowed? And if you’ve used Source Naturals GABA Calm in the past how does it compare for you?
A number of people said they like Thorne pharmaGABA capsules, someone said she like Now GABA Powder and a few people like Natural Factors pharmaGABA chewables:
- Tara ~ I’ve only used Thorne PharmaGABA because of how it’s derived [fermented]. I just swallow the capsule and I’m immediately calm within 5-15 mins. I was previously prescribed a benzo & this is much better. 100mg is all I take when I feel a panic attack coming on. I’ve been thru a few years of absolute hell of benzo withdrawal coming off of my klonopin prescription. The GABA feels almost the exact same as the benzo except the benzo would actually cause rebound panic attacks (I didn’t realize it at the time) & the GABA does not.
- Jane ~I use Now Foods GABA powder. A little under the tongue works well.I have found both effective. Powder good for rapid effect at home (1/4 teaspoon as needed). GABA Calm good to take out with you.
- Meesh ~ I use the Natural Factors pharmaGABA (100mg) and it works great. I use it in combo with L-theanine 250mg (which also contains 20mg of magnesium)… and the combination is magic
I’ve updated the supplements blog with the above products and a few additional similar products so you have many options to select from based on your unique needs and taste preferences, and what’s available at the time:
- Thorne PharmaGABA-100: the label says Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) 100 mg but it also states that the product uses Pharma Foods International’s Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (PharmaGABA®). This is also pleasant-tasting when opened on to the tongue and is most effective when used this way. [AS OF NOV 24, 2021 THIS MAY ALSO BE UNAVAILABLE]
- Thorne PharmaGABA-250: as above but contains 250mg of PharmaGABA®. This is also pleasant-tasting when opened on to the tongue and is most effective when used this way. [AS OF NOV 24, 2021 THIS MAY ALSO BE UNAVAILABLE]
- Designs for Health PharmaGABA Chewables: gamma-amino butyric acid (pharmaGABA) 200 mg in 2 chewable tablets. It’s quick-acting and convenient like GABA-Calm because it’s chewable. This does contain xylitol, natural flavors, stevia and some other ingredients so taste may be a factor and xylitol can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea when too much is consumed.
- Natural Factors PharmaGABA: gamma-amino butyric acid (pharmaGABA) 200 mg in 2 chewable tablets. It’s quick-acting and convenient like GABA-Calm because it’s chewable. However it also contains organic cane sugar and natural fruit flavors so it’s a little too candy-like for my preference, especially if you have low GABA-related sugar cravings. Also 2 chewable tablets – 4g of carbs which is almost 1 teaspoon of sugar!
[January 22, 2021: I’ve included this as a stand-by option for occasional use until Source Naturals GABA Calm is readily available again or if Designs for Health PharmaGABA Chewables are not available.] - Now Foods GABA Powder: 1/4 Level Teaspoon (500mg). This is pleasant-tasting when opened on to the tongue and is most effective when used this way. The only challenge with powder like this is making sure you don’t use too much by mistake. And it’s especially challenging when you only need 100mg.
- Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal GABA with L-Theanine: 2ml (4 Pumps) provides (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) 240mg, L-Theanine 100mg and Phosphatidylcholine 120mg (from purified sunflower seed lecithin). It does contain ethanol so would not be suitable for alcoholics or young children.
- GABA-Pro Calming Effect Chewable: This is a chewable that contains 100 mg of pharmaGABA in 1 tablet. It is pharmaGABA even though the product says GABA-Pro on the front and the label states Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). This product is a reasonable replacement for Source Naturals GABA Calm. It does contain natural flavors and xylitol.
- GABA-Pro Calming Effect: This contains 100 mg of pharmaGABA in 1 tablet. It is pharmaGABA even though the product says GABA-Pro on the front and the label states Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). This capsule can be opened onto the tongue. It does contain rice flour which can be an issue if you have a rice allergy/sensitivity and/or SIBO.
I do want to add that Nutritional Fundamentals for Health GABA-T SAP is still a firm favorite of mine: gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) 300 mg, l-Theanine 150 mg. This is pleasant-tasting when opened on to the tongue and works very well when GABA Calm can’t be used (because of the tyrosine or taste or sugar alcohols). It is also often used with GABA Calm – like GABA Calm in the day and GABA-T SAP at night or some combination. I find best results when it is used opened on to the tongue and it offers a feeling of calm focus. It could easily be used as a substitute for GABA Calm in the short-term.
In case you’re new to GABA you can read more about it here: GABA for the physical-tension and stiff-and-tense-muscles type of anxiety.
UPDATE Nov 24, 2021:
=================
Source Naturals GABA Calm is in short supply again, so I’ve updated this blog with some other options (above) because the Thorne Products may also be unavailable for now:
- GABA-Pro Calming Effect Chewable
- GABA-Pro Calming Effect
Is Source Naturals GABA Calm a favorite of yours? And how has it helped you? What have you found works as well – for physical anxiety, tension, insomnia, pain, sugar cravings, muscle spasms – when it’s not available?
If you’ve used a GABA product in capsules, do you use it opened onto the tongue or swallowed? And if you’ve used Source Naturals GABA Calm in the past how does it compare for you?
If you’re a practitioner do you use GABA Calm and/or other GABA products?
Please do share in the comments below and let me know if you found this helpful or if you have questions. And thanks for the questions and contributions so far!
I used gabba calm and put it under my tongue and let it dissolve, it didn’t seem to work. However, I might be using it wrong ?
Dawn
GABA will only work if the anxiety symptoms are due to low GABA levels and if it’s the correct dose.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Is it advisable for GABA and Evening Primrose Oil be used together for anxiety and calming?
Sue
I have many clients use both with success – when the anxiety is caused by low GABA and there are low levels of GLA.
I live in Ireland and order GABA Calm & True Calm from the USA online. This week I got a letter from customs officials telling me GABA is prohibited in Ireland andnit was seized by customs. I’m gutted, don’t know where else to order it from. Ireland’s health board won’t allow many good supplements- GABA, 5hTP, Tryptophan, St John’s wort, Kava. Its so frustrating! They would prefer we’d support the pharmaceutical companies and take antidepressants instead. I’m annoyed!
I live in the USA and some years back, I had a friend who needed a supplement she couldn’t get here. It was understood by all her family and close friends that they were expected to pick some up in Canada whenever they went north. You could maybe do the same providing your family & friends with empty vitamin bottles of various labels to transfer whatever you need into bottles acceptable to customs.
Doreen
Thanks for sharing – great idea. And yes always a good idea to check in advance what the customs regulations are.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Thanks Doreen, I do not have friends or family in the US that I could ask unfortunately!
Try Balance for Nerves by Higher Nature. It contains the precursors for making GABA in the body plus the co-factors needed to utilize it, such as B vitamins. Available in many Irish health food shops & also online.
Maura
Thanks for sharing! I see this has taurine and theanine, plus B vitamins, magnesium, passionflower and lemon balm. It looks like a great combo product for a baseline and then (if needed) additional taurine and or theanine on their own for doing the trials where we increase and decrease based on unique needs. It would also need to be swallowed.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Thanks Maura. I did try Balance for Nerves previously but did not find it helped. At the moment I’m trialling L-theanine & L-Ornithine Complex (by Macanta). It seems to be good for anxiety but makes me feel tired & saps energy, so maybe will keep it for nighttime use. Otherwise I find a combo of DL Phenylalanin taken 1st thing am, and later ashwagandha & rhodiola helps a little, without the tiredness. Thanks for your suggestion.
which St John’s were you taking and did they stop that one also?
All St John’s Wort supplements are banned in Ireland. For the past 20 yrs or so I stock up when I visit family & friends in the UK or buy on Amazon. Crazy.
Natures Aid Ucalm was the one I purchased (Amazon). That was before Brexit happened and it got through ok!
Maggie
I agree it’s very frustrating. I know GABA is available via prescription in the UK and many nutritionists have a doctor prescribe it. Is that an option in Ireland too? Another option for GABA is theanine or taurine. Are they available?
In Australia you can’t purchase GABA capsules/tablets over the counter but they are available via prescription from doctors and other health practitioners. And you can purchase it in bulk in health stores and body building stores/online sites. You are also allowed to place mail orders for GABA for personal use.
I wasn’t aware of restrictions on 5-HTP, Tryptophan, St John’s wort and Kava in Ireland too.
Yes Trudy, Theanine and taurine are available in Ireland. How much do you think would be equivalent to a GABA calm lozenge? Possibly a nutrition therapist could prescribe GABA but that would be out of my price range I’m afraid. I had been ordering GABA and tryptophan from the US, and it could take between 2-4 weeks to reach me. It’s so frustrating. I’m not a law breaker but this senseless banning of supplements is crazy!
has anyone tried pure encapsulations Gaba. the dose would be too high for me.700mg. I guess just open capsule and experiment on the tongue. Looks to be very clean. I don’t do well with MSG, natural flavors, or additives. Did not do well therefore with Source Naturals. Might try thorne pharma as it is a much lower dose.
Wendy
I’ve had clients use this and as with all GABA trials we started low with 125mg on the tongue
I am taking GABA, Glutathione, and theanine capsules first thing in the morning. Within 10-15 minutes I start getting out of breath, then a rush of tingle & burn throughout my whole body. It doesn’t last more than a couple minutes. Any idea what is happening ?
Thanks
Sherry
Sherry
Too much GABA can cause a niacin type flush and sometimes cause a feeling of breathlessness. I start clients on 125mg GABA and we increase based on symptom resolution. How much GABA are you using?
I also trial one nutrient at a time so we can pinpoint which one is causing an issue since it’s not always clear.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
In the morning I take 750 Mg GABA, 200 Mg L theanine, and 500 Mg L Glutithione in the morning. The breathlessness and tingling does not bother me once I figured what was happening. I will do as you say and isolate the 3 acids to see what is causing it.
Would it be better to take GABA at night, or split the dose am and pm ? I take 200 Mg HTP about 1-1/2 hrs before bedtime. Maybe the GABA would help me not wake at 1-3 am.
Also, can I double my L Glutathione due to inflammation in my mouth and brain from previous dental infections. Numerous dental implants in progress ?
I appreciate you help.
Is there any current research information on the use of GABA along with medications for depression and anxiety? (ie: SSRI medication)
Thankyou for your time.
Wenda
There are concerns with the potential of serotonin syndrome with tryptophan and 5-HTP but no with GABA
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
There is a ND, Gaetano Morello, with practicing privileges at Vancouver Women’s hospital. He recommends that people try 200mg of GABA in the evening for anxiety by Natural Factors or some other brand.
Factors also makes a 100mg and 250 capsule as an alternative to the chewable
iHerb, a company out of Canada, carries Source Naturals GABA Calm 125mg lozenges and is in stock. Also carries lots of other brands too. Hope that helps someone.
Thanks Trudy for all your work….
Finding GABA has been a game-changer for me with my fibro. Appreciate all that you do!
Susan
Thanks for letting us know and so glad to hear GABA has been a game-changer for your with your fibro
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Natural Factors also makes a 100mg capsule of Pharma GABA. That’s the one I choose because I’m diabetic and don’t want any sweeteners or flavors.
Elizabeth
Thanks – good to know!
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I wasn’t aware GABA Calm is in short supply. I ordered a bottle of GABA Calm 120 lozenges from Amazon last week (1/17/21) and it was delivered 3 days later. No delays, no back orders, no issues. Perhaps just try a different supplier? In the past I’ve also bought GABA Calm from Swanson Vitamins online and it’s never been out of stock.
In addition to GABA Calm, I find Ashwaganda and Magnesium glycinate (chelated) helpful for managing stress and/or anxiety.
Good luck finding the GABA Calm.
Susan
Thanks for sharing – glad to hear you benefit from GABA Calm, magnesium glycinate and ashwagandha
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
My Naturopath highly recommends Allergy Research Group, 200 mg of Zen. It’s fantastic for anxiety, tension, insomnia, sugar cravings and pain relief! I open the cap and take it sublingually. It tastes sweet. 1 capsule has 225 mg GABA and 100 mg L-Theanine. It relaxes me within 5-10 minutes. Amazon and PureFormulas sell it. My other favorite Trudy already mentioned above: QuickSilver Scientific’s Liposomal GABA with L-Theanine. Both are excellent products. My life has changed for the better since learning about GABA from you, Trudy. I’m deeply appreciative of your work!
Carolyn
Thanks for sharing and it’s wonderful to hear these help your your anxiety, tension, insomnia, sugar cravings and pain! I’d love to hear why you prefer or use Zen vs Quicksilver and if both provide the same benefits? how much of the Quicksilver compares to the 1 capsule of Zen?
Thanks for the kind words
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Both Zen and Quicksilver provide the same benefits. But over time I’ve stopped using Zen and now use QS exclusively because QS delivery is far easier. I like to micro-dose GABA, just 1-2 pumps sublingually, as needed. I like that I can adjust how much or how little GABA I take this way. I think I actually use less when I take QS vs Zen. Sometimes before bed I add a drop of cannabis tincture (sublingually) along with the GABA and the cannabis/GABA mixture is wonderful for sleep. I definitely notice a difference when I take GABA sublingually, vs a capsule.
I use Bio-Alternatives GABA, Choline & arginine powders together in water.
Annette
Thanks for sharing. How much do you use and how does it help?
Does Gaba affect your memory like benzodiazepines do. Medical website mentioned that it can.
Fran
I am not aware of any studies that report this and have not seen it clinically. Could you please share which medical site stated this. I wonder if it was the drug gabapentin they were referring to.
There is research showing that more GABA in the brain improves memory https://biox.stanford.edu/highlight/more-gaba-one-brain-region-linked-better-working-memory
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I just got notified by http://www.iherbs.com that GABA Calm is available again for sale. Check their website.
Helen
Thanks for posting
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
This one looks good and I know Dr Michael Murray is a Natural Factors advocate. However I take 750mg Source Naturals GABA and the Natural Factors only comes in a max of 250mg it would appear. Is PharmaGABA more effective at 250mg versus GABA at 750mg do you think?
https://uk.iherb.com/pr/Natural-Factors-Stress-Relax-Pharma-GABA-250-mg-60-Vegetarian-Capsules/85647
Drew
This is a better Natural Factors than the one I list since it doesn’t contain sugar. It would need to be used opened on to the tongue. The only way to know if someone does better with PharmaGABA vs GABA is to do a trial. I see GABA be more effective for most folks but there are exceptions.
Drew – the 750mg GABA helps you with sleep and anxiety?
Helps me to calm down a little when taken at bed time but only if I am in an already relatively calm and stable state. It provides that extra ‘sigh of relief’ as it were. However GABA is useless when trying to calm a stressed state which I am regrettably indefinitely navigating on and off due to inter relational toxicity. Long, long story!! Toxic people can be our biggest downfall in life which no supplement can address – very sad but true. Hence why I love lockdowns and introversion even though it’s not a healthy condition, but better than having to be contaminated by toxic people…
Drew
I like that … GABA provides that extra ‘sigh of relief’
Yes toxic people contribute to the trauma big time. Ideal is to no longer have them in your life. I agree no supplement can address toxic people, being in a good place nutritionally does make us more resilient You may find Alex Howard’s work useful. He combines nutrition and trauma support and is hosting a 3 part webinar series as a lead in to his group RESET program https://reset.alexhoward.com/?affid=trudyscottcn
Thanks Trudy for the encouragement and link to Alex. I have watched his 3 part video series previously – I now need to find the time to address all of this with all these different therapies, something I currently don’t have the time for but it is on the agenda once life settles after the big move out of the city. Moving to new natural surroundings with lots of fresh air, natural light etc has been a good start and helps, but there is a long way to go still.
Yes, in an ideal world ridding oneself of toxic people is of paramount importance, but all that much harder when this applies to certain problematic people who won’t ‘let you go’ as it were and make you feel guilty for trying to do so! Long, long story…
Nevertheless, it’s onwards and upwards for the time being…
I have used a product called Zen Mind for YEARS and have recently found it not as effective…or I am needing more frequent doses!! LOL This formulation is sold by NutriCology and Allergy Research Group. I first started using it when I was teaching high school. With my fibromyalgia and high stress life I would take 2 at bedtime along with an herbal anti-inflammatory formulation. One thing I like about it is that it also helps with IBS flare-ups.
Joanetta
Thanks for sharing what you’ve used with success. Good to hear it helps with high stress, fibromyalgia and IBS flareups too. We often need to bump up doses in time of higher stress or when something like gut health shifts.
For other blog readers, it contains GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) 550 mg, L-Theanine 200 mg (suntheanine) in 2 capsules.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I have tried numerous different brands of GABA, hoping for relief from anxiety after doing all Anxiety Summits. But I always feel more anxious, as I do with rhodiola. I suspect a genetic issue. Benzos work well in small doses, but like others have said, I do not want to make a long-term thing of them. Can you suggest a way around this? (I do find Bach, Rescue Remedy effective sometimes.)
I’m taking 400 mg. of 5 htp at night for sleep and depression (partially effective) and 1500 mg. of tyrosine in two doses for dopamine for depression. I can’t get a definitive answer online about whether or not tyrosine has to be taken on an empty stomach. I’ve looked through previous Anxiety Summit information but haven’t found the answer. Please advise. Thanks.
Lynne
I am curious which brands of GABA you have trialed, what doses and if used sublingually? Often with benzodiazepine use very very small amounts are better tolerated and sometimes GABA is not initially tolerated until the GABA receptors are healed. In these instances options include theanine, niacinamide and/or taurine.
Other ways to increase GABA include yoga, meditation, tai chi, getting out in nature, eating quality animal protein, using co-factors zinc and B6 as supplements and in the diet, improving gut health/microbiome and even using certain probiotics like lactobacillus rhamnosis (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-depression-gaba-cortisol-lactobacillus-ingestion/), and/or spore-based probiotics.
All the amino acids are best taken on an empty stomach
i am also on a small amount of clonazepam. Perhaps that is why I have trouble with GABA. I believe you are saying the gaba receptors have to be healed in other words I would have to off clonazepam for awhile. I might try the B-6 route you suggested. I’ll look in your store to see if you have one. thanks for all the info.
I use a product by Bulk Supplements. It is a powder – pure GABA. I take a 1/8 teaspoon measuring spoon and fill it 1/4 full – so 1/32 of a teaspoon. I put it directly on the top of my tongue and hold it in my mouth for 10 minutes or so. It is very helpful for the heart palpitations caused by Roemheld Syndrome.
MaryAnn
Thanks for sharing and glad to hear the GABA powder helps the heart palpitations caused by Roemheld Syndrome. I’m curious how often this happens and if it’s certain foods that cause the symptoms?
For this product I see 1/3 of a teaspoon is 750mg. The trick with powder is being able to measure out small doses and it looks like you have it figured out and are using about 10mg. How did you figure out this was the ideal dose for your needs?
Regarding Roemheld Syndrome, just eating – anything – can set off the palpitations. Overeating, definitely. Concentrated sweets, most likely. (I have cut way back on the sugar.) Sometimes palpitations just come out of the blue. They often happen just as I am falling asleep and then it can be up to 4-5 hours before I do get to sleep.
Regarding dosing the GABA powder, I just started with a very small amount. I am very sensitive to medications, e.g. the epinephrine in the lidocaine injections the dentists use cause me to bounce around in the chair and feel on the verge of a panic attack. I do repeat the GABA dose as needed. It can cause drowsiness.
The label on the Bulk Supplements GABA package states that 1/8 teaspoon = 357mg Therefore one-fourth of 1/8 teaspoon would be 90mg.
For the Roemheld Syndrome the most helpful thing has been Iberogast. This is a liquid supplement of 9 herbs in a proprietary formulation. Take 20 drops (1 ml) before meals. I also take a bitter herbs made by a local herbalist.
I think the digestive enzymes available without a prescription are a scam. Most proteins (and enzymes are proteins) do not survive stomach acid. The prescription digestive enzymes are enteric coated so they get past the stomach acid intact.
I am looking into the spore -based probiotics. Are there any you recommend?
Hi MaryAnn, I just want to let you know another way to stop heart palpitations. I have had palpitations and sinus tachycardia (racing heart) for years. Every time they happen I am able to stop them within a minute (usually less) by rubbing the acupressure points on the LEFT baby finger — the top section of the finger on both sides of the fingernail. What I do is rub and massage the whole top part of my left baby finger concentrating on the sides rather than the front and back of the finger. I hope that makes sense. Good luck!
Sherry
Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear this helps. I’m a fan of acupressure but can’t find this one. Do you happen to know the name of it?
Hi Trudy, I found the information a few years back in a book called “Body Reflexology” by Mildred Carter and Tammy Weber (on page 95).
I truly believe squeezing and massaging my left baby finger probably saved me from a heart attack on two separate occasions in the last 4 years. Both times I had crushing pain in my upper left arm and left chest area and didn’t know what was going on but thinking it might be heart related I grabbed my left baby finger like I’ve always done for palpitations and tachycardia and massaged and squeezed it like crazy until the pain went away about 10 minutes later. My doctor sent me to a cardiologist suspecting a “cardiac event” and I was given the standard tests they normally give a man (i.e. ECG, blood test & stress test). The cardiologist told me he could find no evidence of a heart attack even though an RN who worked in the cardiology emergency room for 10 years told me I had all the classic signs and symptoms.
Hope this helps!
Sherry – thank you!
I live in Uk and just this last week have received deliveries of GABA Calm from Biovea and iHerb. Deliveries took awhile – came from USA – but it is very easy to do!
Sue
Hi Sue, do iHerb declare on the package that it is GABA?
I find companies that state “health supplements” on the outside of the package get through customs, but eVitamins state that it contains “GABA” so get seized by customs here in Ireland.
I’m sorry, I didn’t read the package carefully and it is long gone now!
Can a friend in the country where the supplements are available purchase them and mail them to you? Is customs in the habit of opening packages that are not from a business?
Sue
Good to know – thanks for sharing. You say deliveries took awhile – how much longer than usual?
I didn’t take note of that Trudy, but would say it was weeks rather than days. Will pay more attention next time! For the Biovea I have set up a regular delivery, so that should come when I next begin to run low.
Yoga increases GABA.
Jane
You are correct – yoga, meditation, tai chi, getting out in nature etc.
Other ways to increase GABA include eating quality animal protein, using co-factors zinc and B6 as supplements and in the diet, theanine, improving gut health/microbiome and even using certain probiotics like lactobacillus rhamnosis (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-depression-gaba-cortisol-lactobacillus-ingestion/), and spore-based probiotics
For some people some of these steps are enough and for others supplemental GABA is needed too.
I’ve noticed that GABA causes my heart to race even more. Why is that?
Shawnda
Too much GABA can do that. I start my clients on 125mg and some find less works too. If anxiety symptoms are not caused by low GABA then any amount will be too much.
Which low GABA symptoms do you have, what product did you use and how much? And did you see any benefits?
I just looked at (evil) Amazon. Gaba Calm lozenges are available from a number of sellers. And it will get here (Seattle) in two days. Unsure if that means people in other countries can get it though.
By the way, I SO wanted Gaba Calm to work for me, but didn’t notice anything after taking it daily for one entire bottle and partially into a second.
I’m doing well on L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine though. (I’d started on them about a month before the pandemic hit and can’t imagine how I’d get through this without them.) And, a month ago, added 5mg of CBD at bedtime
Now I’m experimenting with glycine powder and choline/inositol capsules. I can’t remember now, though, what I read or saw that made me think they’d be a good addition to my regimen.
Luna
Thanks for the feedback on GABA availability – it seems to come and go.
I’m pleased you have found that the tryptophan/theanine combination does work for you. May I ask how much of each helps and which products you find work best for you? And how did they help?
GABA doesn’t work for everyone or may not work because not enough was used. I don’t recommend going through an entire bottle with no improvements. Best is to keep increasing until you see benefits – perhaps that what you mean and did?
How does one decide how much GABA to take? Do most naturopaths know about it and thus are able to help figure out whether it’s a GABA problem or deficiency in one of the other amino acids? (in Australia)
Elizabeth
The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA is to look at the low GABA symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of GABA and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/ Naturopaths know about GABA and anxiety but not all may use this approach and the fact that dosing is unique to each person.
I found GABA source naturals at my local health store !
Anne
Thanks for sharing
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Just to say I’m in England and had been ordering GABA Calm through Your Health Basket/Detox People – they would order it especially in for me. I placed another order for more of it on Monday (1st Feb) and haven’t been notified of any problems sourcing it. I briefly read there was a Belgium woman looking for some – I think this retailer I use might be European-based so she could try there.
Anon
Thanks for letting us know about this – appreciate it
I don`t know who to ask because no one knows it. I find researches in recent years by which St John`s Worth affects pancreatic cells which produce insulin and found that people who use it just for short time had increased level of blood sugar. The research was taken I think only on 12 people but all 12 had increased sugar levels. What do you think about it….if our parents have problems with diabetes, should we use it?
Mickey
For someone with diabetes I would recommend testing blood sugar after use of St. Johns Wort and stop using it if blood sugar levels go up. I found this study that supports what you’re saying: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12486
For similar mood benefits I’d look into neurotransmitter support with amino acids such a tryptophan or 5-HTP. This blog is a good introduction: Tryptophan for the worry-in-your-head and ruminating type of anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/tryptophan-worry-head-ruminating-type-anxiety/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
I use Superior Source Gaba it is an instant dissolve tablet, each 100 mg, I usually use two. The other Gaba product I use was recommended by one of my doctors it’s called Zen by Allergy Research Group it comes in capsules with 225 Gaba and 100 mg L-theanine, those work really well too. I do have a question about using them, is it ok to use them on and off for years for anxiety or when you’re having trouble sleeping? I haven’t read anything about long term use.
I work for Natural Factors as a sales rep in the midwest. Just wanted to mention that our PharmaGABA …. and any product made using the PharmGABA raw material, is naturally produced by fermentation rather than being synthetic.
I’m not sure this matters to everyone– whatever GABA works for people is great in the end.
The chewable does get into the system much faster than a capsule.
And we also make 100mg and 250 mg veggie caps .
We use organic cane sugar in our GABA because xylitol did not give the desired taste and consistency.
We do use xylitol in our 100mg chewable SunTheanine. Theanine helps produce GABA in our body.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the helpful info. I’ve always liked Natural Factors products.
I’m looking at the Pharma-GABA tablets on your website. The ingredients list says they do contain xylitol. (Which is a deal-breaker for me.)
https://naturalfactors.com/en-us/product/pharma-gaba-100-mg/
Am I missing something?
Luna
Hi Luna,
Xylitol is the sweetner in the chewable GABA…Factors also makes 100mg and 250mg capsules without any sweetener….
Hi Trudy
I noticed that someone mentioned they also take magnesium.
Could you please tell us what type of magnesium you would recommend for calming the nervous system. My homeopath recommends orotate for me but sometimes magnesium gives me weird heart flutters.
Thank you
This is a great article on magnesium: https://www.fixyourgut.com/magnesium-important-mineral-for-health/
Hi Trudy
I’ve got this globus issue for about 3-4 months, I don’t typically have anxiety issues (might not be noticing myself during this Covid period), went to see a ENT specialist, and was diagnosed possible GERD due to slight inflammation on one side of my vocal cord, but then, I have been doing pretty clean keto/carnivore since 2018.
In addition, I do have throat tightness for about 2 years plus, it gets tighter when I speak (sometimes the feeling comes after a long conversation, sometimes it hits me after a few minutes..), I speculated possible Muscle Tension Dysphonia (I might be wrong), went for a few session of speech therapies, but it didn’t help..
I also made some research on improving the Vagal tone by stimulating the vagus nerve, they said that it might improve, am monitoring in the mean time.
Now I’m gonna try the GABA calm, will update once it shows any improvement!! Thanks in advance
Kel
Please do let us know how you do with GABA
We are looking for a raw supplier of organic & kosher GABA. Can you help us source this material?
Tina
I’m afraid I can’t
Thank you for your wonderful work, I am reading many of the blog posts and also purchased your audiobook. I tried Gaba calm this week, one the first day, two the second, and five the third day. I had a headache the second day and full blown migraine on day three. I’ve had a tendency toward anxiety/worry for a long time, and I think perimenopause is making it much worse. I was bitten by a dog and can barely go for walks now due to fear, I jump whenever a leaf skitters by and overreact to noises outside, etc. The day I took 5 GABA Calm I was able to go for a walk and it was somewhat less anxiety producing, so I think the GABA may help me but I suspect the tyrosine is not agreeing with me as I do have migraine history.
Wondering if I should just go to a tryptophan trial since I have those symptoms too, or try another GABA product with no tyrosine first? I found chewable GABA from NOW Foods – that seems easier to try than opening capsules if you think worth trying? I see it’s 250 mg GABA so any trial dosing recommendations?
Thank you so grateful for your work!
Jen
When GABA Calm does work I have clients stick with it and switch to another product, usually a GABA only product. With a reaction like the one you had I’d be very cautious with another chewable. I can’t offer specific dosing advice via the blog.
Keep us posted and thanks for the kind words